England batter Harry Brook has apologised after a nightclub incident during the New Zealand tour, receiving a fine and final warning from the ECB.
England batter Harry Brook has apologised after an off-field incident involving a nightclub bouncer during England’s New Zealand tour earlier this season. The matter surfaced after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. The tour is already under scrutiny due to questions around team discipline and conduct.
Reports from the Telegraph stated the incident occurred on the eve of an ODI in Wellington, where Brook was refused entry to a nightclub and was involved in an altercation. The England and Wales Cricket Board imposed a fine of around GBP 30,000 and issued a final warning.
Brook acknowledged his mistake and accepted responsibility for letting down teammates, staff and supporters. He confirmed his intention to improve his professionalism and rebuild trust through future conduct.
“I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” he said in a statement.
“Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously and I am deeply sorry for letting down my team-mates, coaches and supporters; I have reflected on the lessons it has taught me about responsibility, professionalism and the standards expected of those representing your country. I am determined to learn from this mistake and to rebuild trust through my future actions, both on and off the field. Apologize unreservedly and will work hard to ensure this does not happen again,” he added.
Footage circulating on social media also showed Brook and teammate Jacob Bethell drinking on the night of the incident. England’s director of cricket, Rob Key, later held discussions with both players regarding their behaviour. The ECB confirmed the issue was handled internally through its disciplinary process.
“We are aware of this incident and it has been dealt with through a formal and confidential ECB disciplinary process. The player involved has apologised and acknowledged their conduct fell below expectations on this occasion,” the statement from ECB read.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould has also confirmed that player conduct will form part of a broader review following the Ashes series.
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